Infinitism and Dispositional Beliefs (2014)

Affiliation: Department of Classics and Philosophy, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Address: Department of Classics and Philosophy
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast
Ghana

Article type: Standard scientific article

Section: Philosophy of Language

Language:

Abstract (english):

In articulating his theory of epistemic infinitism, Klein argues that a belief is justified only if it is supported by an infinite and non-repeating series of reasons subjectively available to the subject in a form of dispositional beliefs. Klein offers about three standard conditions of subjective availability of dispositional beliefs. I submit that the first condition confuses the disposition to believe with dispositional beliefs and the other two yield unpalatable consequences for Klein’s theory of epistemic infinitism. Although this problem is not insurmountable, I argue that it poses a serious challenge to Klein’s theory of infinitism and the only safe way out is a serious modification to his version of infinitism.